Citizenship, welfare hit on terrorists

Australian nationals involved in terrorism could lose their ability to return to Australia and have their welfare payments axed.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also flagged changes to immigration laws to enable the government to revoke or suspend Australian citizenship in the case of dual nationals.

"Australians who take up arms with terrorist groups, especially while Australian military personnel are engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, have sided against their country and should be treated accordingly," he said in Canberra on Monday.

The changes could include restricting the ability to leave or return to Australia, access to consular services overseas and access to welfare payments.